Figo Disputes African Claims

Luis Figo expects some African federations to back his FIFA presidency bid, despite claims the entire continent will support Sepp Blatter.

Issa Hayatou, boss of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said earlier this week all 54 of its members would vote for Blatter to serve a fifth term.

But Figo says he has received private assurances from individual federations they will support him in the May 29 election.

“I feel there’s a lot of respect for CAF among all the African federations but I’m positive that Mr Hayatou did not speak in the name of the 54 members of the confederation,” the former Portugal captain said.

Figo is one of three rival candidates opposing Blatter next month: Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan and the Dutch football association president Michael van Praag are the others.